HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Homestead Air Reserve Base in southwest Miami-Dade County was evacuated Wednesday evening after what the base says was a “transportation mishap” involving an explosive device.
People were asked to avoid the area of Southwest 137th Avenue to Waterstone Boulevard from Southwest 288th Street to 312th Street after the issue was reported around 5 p.m.
In a tweet that has since been deleted, the base also asked residents in that area to remain in their homes.
A new tweet was sent out saying the all-clear had been given, and that the evacuation was due to a “damaged ordinance” which is a term used to describe an explosive device.
Miami-Dade police also assisted with traffic control, which had several roads blocked.
Eventually, the explosive was repaired and no injuries were reported. The damaged ordinance was deemed safe Thursday morning, the base said.
“I want to thank our outstanding EOD [explosive ordnance disposal] professionals and first responders for their great work last night,” Col. David Castaneda, 482nd Fighter Wing commander, said in a statement. “I’d also like to thank our local law enforcement for their support in keeping our local community safe. My top priority is the success of our mission and the safety of our HARB personnel and the local community.”
The base said the incident remains under investigation.
On Thursday morning, from the outside, the base appeared to be back to business as usual.
Out of an abundance of caution, Homestead Air Reserve Base evacuated personnel from base due to an incident involving a damaged ordinance. Base emergency personnel coordinated with local law enforcement to clear the areas surrounding the base.
— Homestead ARB (@Homestead_ARB) December 16, 2021